Students who have completed the PACE program

Students may continue into the SAME program based on successful completion of PACE at the SAME standard (80% average) and recommendation of the ASE instructor, ASE chair and conditional acceptance of the receiving department dean and chair. A student's program will be developed with the ASE SAME liaison, the ASE chair and the receiving dean and/or chair.

Applicants without PACE Completion

Students may enter directly into the SAME program on the recommendation of the ASE instructor and the receiving instructor provided that they meet the PACE Admission Requirements, have an established record of student success behaviours, have a clear and realistic vocational goal based on prior work experience in a field directly related to the chosen SAME Program, or demonstrated a strong interest in a particular academic area, and that space is available. Students who are enrolled in or have completed the PACE Program will be given priority access.

All students wishing to enter the SAME program must have specific documentation of disability which indicates that the student cannot meet the entry criteria for a regular Okanagan College program or course and/or cannot be successful in an unmodified form of a regular program or course, even with support. Documentation must include one of the following:

• Psycho-educational assessment (current within 5 years)

• Educationally specific documentation from a physician or medical specialist

Applicants without PACE Completion must also provide two letters of recommendation, one letter from:

• A previous instructor in ABE or ASE, or from a senior secondary teacher. This recommendation must comment on the student's behaviours and attitudes including:

  • Attendance and punctuality

  • Ability to complete work in an accurate and timely manner

  • Response to criticism

  • Interactions with instructors and peers

  • Strategies for coping with stress

  • Willingness to participate in class activities and group work.

Another letter from:

• An employment-related agency, advocacy group, employer or workplace supervisor. This recommendation must outline related work experience and comment on:

  • The suitability of the student for the chosen SAME Program based on strengths and abilities demonstrated in the workplace over a period of at least eight weeks.

  • Employability skills such as attendance and punctuality, willingness to work, ability to follow instructions, ability to cope with constructive criticism, and teamwork skills.

Students applying for admission into the SAME Program must apply to the ASE Liaison eight months prior to the start date of their chosen program or course.

Students enrolled in the SAME Program will also be enrolled in the following courses: